ICCROM Course : First Aid to Cultural Heritage in Times of Conflict

This international training course which will take place in Rome, with study visits to other cities in Italy from 24 September- 26 October 2012 (5 weeks), is organised in cooperation with UNESCO, Blue Shield Network and specialized international and national agencies, with the financial support of the Swiss Federal Office of Culture (FOC), and the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities (MiBAC).

Background

Armed conflicts worldwide continue to involve deliberate or accidental damage to cultural heritage. Conflicts result in the weakening of governments and societies and endanger the core values that hold communities together. The protection and recovery of cultural heritage can play a crucial role in rebuilding societies and in overcoming the sense of loss and displacement.

Notwithstanding, in times of conflict, any operation will be delayed as ensuring security and safety of people takes precedence. As a result, it is essential for the concerned professionals working in these areas to understand how and when to intervene to secure or recover cultural heritage while law enforcement, peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts are under way.

Objectives

Explore the values associated with cultural heritage and the impact that conflict has on them;

Assess and manage risks to cultural heritage in conflict situations;

Secure, salvage and stabilize a variety of cultural materials;

Take peacetime preparatory action to improve response in times of conflict;

Critically examine the applicability of international legal instruments, and of conservation ethics and principles in times of conflict;

Communicate successfully with the various actors involved, and work in teams.

Methodology

The course will comprise of interactive lectures, group activities, practical sessions, simulations, site visits and case studies. Participants will be asked to develop case studies drawing from their own experience and work context.

Participants

The course is aimed at those who are actively involved in the protection of cultural heritage within a variety of institutions (libraries, museums, archives, sites, departments of antiquities or archaeology, religious and community centres, etc.). It is also aimed at professionals from humanitarian and cultural aid organizations, as well as military, civilian and civil defense personnel. Those with experience in conflict situations are particularly encouraged to apply. A maximum of 22 participants will be selected.

Teaching team: International team of professionals identified through ICCROM’s network.

Working language: English.

Course fee: 900 € (Euro).

Travel, accommodation and living expenses: Participants are responsible for their round-trip travel costs to and from Rome, Italy, and for all living expenses. To cover the cost of living, including accommodation, participants should plan for a minimum allowance of 1,800 € (Euro) for the entire duration of the course. Candidates are strongly encouraged to seek financial support from sources such as governmental institutions, employers and funding agencies.

Financial assistance: The organizers may offer financial support to a limited number of selected candidates who have been unable to secure funding from any other sources. Candidates are also advised to contact Italian cultural institutes in their home countries, as some may be able to offer short-term scholarships for research or training activities carried out in Italy.

Application: Please fill out the ICCROM application form and send it together with your personal statement by mail to the contact address below. E-mail applications are encouraged. In the event that it is not possible to provide a scanned version of the necessary photographs and signatures, it will also be necessary to send a paper copy.

Personal Statement: candidates are requested to provide a letter stating clearly the reasons for applying to the course, what they hope to learn from it, and how it will benefit them and their institution, country, or future employer (maximum of 700 words).